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Description

Most leaf beetles are small – less than 1.2 cm long – but a few species can reach 2 cm. Their elytra (hardened wings) are often smooth and shiny, but occasionally have distinctive shapes or may be either ridged or pitted. They come in a variety of colours.

The legs are a distinguishing characteristic of these insects: the final heart-shaped segment, just before the claw, is bilobed. This segment is covered with special hairs that allow the beetles to walk along waxy stems and leaves.

Habitat

Adults live on flowers and foliage, larvae on foliage and roots.

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Interesting facts

This is one of the largest and most frequently encountered of all beetle families, with over 1,700 species in North America alone. It is divided into several subfamilies, each of which has its own set of characteristics. A garden may contain any number of leaf beetle species that feed on their preferred plants.

Most leaf beetle larvae feed on foliage, other are leaf miners, and some feed on roots.

Ecological roles

Several species are highly destructive to the crop plants they feed on. Some leaf beetles also transmit diseases to plants.